Letter from a Concerned Consumer

As a loyal customer, I am grateful for you and the other Texas farmers and ranchers who grow the fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that I buy and serve to my family. Each week, I know the shelves at my local grocery store will be stocked with a large variety of products with plenty of price, flavor and nutrition choices.

I’ve come to rely on those many food options, and there are some things that I’ve just come to expect. I know that, compared to other countries, our food is fairly affordable. I expect that the food I buy in the grocery store and order in restaurants is safe. I am not concerned with the abundance of our food supply—the food I want is always on the shelf when I go to buy it.

There are other issues, though, that I don’t hear you talk about much. I want to know more. And I want to talk to you—the men and women in the fields—about my concerns. Here are five things I want to talk about…

Organic vs. Conventional Farming—I’ve heard a lot recently about how organic food is a safer and healthier option. I want to feed my family nutritious food that is good for their current and future health.

“Genetically Modified Organisms”—If a seed has been mutated, how do I know it won’t do something strange to me? Should more research be done for us to feel safe eating these crops?

Animal Welfare—I care about animals, and I want to know that cattle, pigs and chickens are treated humanely. I don’t necessarily want to give up eating meat, but I do want to know that they are raised under good conditions.

Chemicals & Pesticides—Are the chemicals you spray on crops bad for the environment? Our food should be grown without harming our rivers, fields and wildlife. I also want to know if pesticides are harmful for people.

Climate Change—I’m concerned that the environment is being negatively affected by large industries, including agriculture. Should we switch to practices like grass-fed beef and free-range chickens to reduce our carbon footprint?

These are a few of the issues that concern me. I care about my food and want to know where it comes from. I want to see what life is like on a farm. I want to get to know you.

Depends on the season, Edwina. Americans demand fresh fruits and vegetables year around. When major vegetable and fruit growing areas in California, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and many other parts of the nation are out of season, fruits and vegetables are imported from Mexico and other countries to meet the demand.

Your concerns for animal welfare are very valid, but farmers throughout the world and even more so here in america take great strides and consideration in animal welfare. They are raised and grown with great care, which in turn makes a differance in the farmers bottom line. No where else in the world do you see standards of quality like you do here. Enjoy meat, but respect and appreciate the farmer who made it possible.